There are fictional detectives and there is the Sherlock Holmes. What is it about this characters that has driven people around the world crazy about him. It is difficult to explain in words why he is so fancied by people across the globe but the first thing that comes to my mind is his quick wit and impeccable deduction skills that makes Sherlock so irresistible.
Here is my top 3 list of what I love about the Sherlock Holmes Short Stories and Novels.
- The Setting: I have been smitten by the quaint English countryside. The fact that this is set in 18-19 th century London, adds a very historic feel to the stories. Every story takes you on a trip to the old England countryside, the cabs, the attire and the entire setting of each story is a walk back into history. Also the fact that you may have read many stories during your childhood also makes you look back with nostalgia every time you pick your Sherlock Holmes Collection.
- The Narrative Style: Most of us identify with Dr. Watson and the fact the stories are told through the eyes of Dr Watson makes it so much more enjoyable as you tend to see the great detective through the eyes of the commoner. When Sherlock communicates with Dr. Watson, it feels as if he is communicating with the reader and that enhances the overall feel of reading these great stories.
- The Science of Deduction: Above all, what enthralls Sherlock holmes fans the most are his seemingly matter of fact but painstakingly logical deductions from totally mundane scenarios. From the crease on a shirt, he could deduct the profession of a person, from the stains on a hand, he could tell the entire day’s chores that a person had handled. This usually formed the most exciting part of any story – to follow how Sherlock made his deductions.
As a confirmed Sherlock Holmes fan, I can tell you that each of his 56 short stories and 4 novels are masterpieces in their own right. The author – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has created a fictional character who went on to become a legend in his own right. He became so popular that people actually started sending letters addressed to 221B Baker Street (his address in the stories). No other fictional detective has received such a massive fan following as Sherlock Holmes has.
A collection of Sherlock Holmes stories has be a family heirloom that must be passed on from one generation to the other. I have my own collection. What about you?
